Between the Laurel Branches

‘Clear sounds cascaded, fragments of light like gold dust beautifully pouring down through the swaying laurel branches. He simply wished for this moment to freeze in time.’ Hadrianus, son of the Roman Consul Fulcher, returns to Rome after four years of studying abroad, having fled after a homosexual scandal with his Greek tutor. At the mansion, Hadrianus meets Tiberius, a lictor of his father, and falls deeply in love at first sight with the youth, beautiful as a sculpture. His father, usually displeased with Hadrianus's weak nature, humiliates him by making him spar with Tiberius, then orders Tiberius to teach Hadrianus tactics and swordsmanship for three months. Spending time together, H...